Emergency Vehicle Safety and Operations

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Questions and Answers

According to the SOG, what is the primary source of rules and regulations governing the fire department's vehicle operations during non-emergency situations?

National Fire Protection Association Standards

Illinois State Vehicle Code (correct)

Federal Highway Administration Guidelines

Internal Fire Department Policies

What is the primary purpose of the "special privileges" extended to fire department vehicles responding to emergencies?

To minimize the risk of accidents by allowing faster travel.

To ensure the safety of fire department personnel during emergency response.

To provide a legal basis for exceeding speed limits and disregarding traffic laws.

To expedite the arrival of emergency services to the scene. (correct)

Based on the SOG, what action is considered unacceptable under any circumstances, even during emergency situations?

Disregarding traffic signals.

Reckless disregard for public safety. (correct)

Using sirens and flashing lights.

Exceeding the posted speed limit.

What is the intended audience of this Standard Operating Guideline (SOG)?

Fire department personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern addressed in the SOG regarding emergency vehicle operations?

The safety of the public. Signup and view all the answers

In what instance might a fire department vehicle exceed the posted speed limit during an emergency response?

In exceptional emergency situations. Signup and view all the answers

How often is the SOG document re-evaluated?

Every two years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the driver of a fire department vehicle during an emergency response?

To ensure the safety of the crew and the public. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can emergency vehicles exceed the standard right of way?

When responding to an emergency and traffic conditions allow for safe passage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when an emergency vehicle is exceeding the standard right of way?

The safety of all persons involved. Signup and view all the answers

What action should an emergency vehicle driver take when approaching a blind intersection?

Come to a complete stop before proceeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor in determining whether a situation constitutes an emergency?

The judgment and experience of the responding personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What action must an emergency vehicle driver take when directed to do so by a law enforcement officer?

Come to a complete stop and follow the officer's instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a circumstance that requires an emergency vehicle driver to come to a complete stop?

When the driver feels it is necessary to reach the emergency scene as quickly as possible. Signup and view all the answers

When exceeding the standard right of way, what is the rule of thumb for emergency vehicle drivers?

If you can't see all traffic lanes, STOP AND WAIT! Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the regulations regarding emergency vehicle operation?

To ensure that emergency vehicles are operated in a safe and responsible manner. Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer responsible for ensuring before moving the emergency vehicle?

All personnel on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can an emergency vehicle exceed the maximum speed limits?

So long as the operator does not endanger life or property Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer responsible for directing the driver to do in case of unsafe driving?

Cease any unsafe driving, such as excess speed or unsafe intersection practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of personnel required on an apparatus responding to an emergency outside the Village of Hoffman Estates?

2 people, unless it's a Brush Fire response Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer responsible for issuing to the driver during response?

Warnings about road and physical hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer responsible for operating during response, when practical?

The radio, audio, and visual warning devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer responsible for checking to assist the driver in determining the safest and most direct route?

The map book or MCT Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an exception granted under CH 625 ILCS 5/11-205?

Standing or parking on any roadway Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT prohibited by Section 12-610-1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code?

Using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a parking lot Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of a Hoffman Estates Fire Department vehicle?

Both the driver and the officer riding in the front passenger seat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the officer riding in the front passenger seat of a Hoffman Estates Fire Department vehicle?

To provide an additional set of eyes and ears for the driver Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is NOT an exception to the Illinois Vehicle Code restrictions on using electronic communication devices while driving?

A driver using a wireless telephone to text a friend while waiting at a red light Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle?

The restrictions apply to all drivers, except for those operating emergency vehicles for official duties Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Section 12-610.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code?

To prevent drivers from texting while driving Signup and view all the answers

What signal devices should Fire Department vehicles use while responding to emergencies?

Both audible and visual signal devices Signup and view all the answers

What should drivers of Fire Department vehicles do at unguarded railroad grade crossings?

Come to a complete stop and ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may a driver pass another emergency vehicle during an emergency response?

If absolutely necessary and communication is used Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight restriction for 2 axle vehicles crossing the bridge on Bartlett Rd?

28 tons Signup and view all the answers

What is required of all personnel riding in a Fire Department vehicle during movement?

To wear a seat belt Signup and view all the answers

What must drivers remember regarding road conditions or actions of others when responding to an emergency?

They are still responsible for safe driving Signup and view all the answers

What should remain active on a Fire Department vehicle when it is parked at an emergency scene?

An adequate number of visual signals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the weight restrictions for emergency vehicles?

All vehicles must adhere to weight restrictions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Passenger and Driver Safety

During non-emergency vehicle operations, drivers and passengers must follow Illinois State Vehicle Code rules of the road, just like civilian drivers.
When responding to emergencies, drivers are bound by the same rules, but with special privileges, such as exceeding posted speed limits and right of way, under certain circumstances.

Speed and Safety

Drivers should not drive recklessly, as it creates an unfavorable public attitude and puts people at risk.
Judgment of the responding Company Officer is relied upon to determine speed in exceptional emergency situations.
Reckless disregard for public safety is never acceptable.

Right of Way and Intersections

When exceeding standard right of way, drivers must slow down and account for all traffic before proceeding through an intersection.
Emergency vehicles may use center median or oncoming traffic lanes, but must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
Drivers should use extreme caution and drive with due regard for safety when passing stopped or stalled vehicles on the right side.

Stopping at Intersections

Drivers must bring the vehicle to a complete stop at blind intersections, when directed by law enforcement, when unable to account for all lanes of traffic, and when encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights.

Emergency Response

An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances requiring immediate action, and drivers must use good judgment and experience to determine an actual fire emergency.
Drivers must comply with laws regulating driving and parking, except when operating under emergency conditions.

Signal Devices and Railroad Crossings

Emergency vehicles responding in an emergency manner should use audible and visual signal devices, including Opticoms and headlights, while in motion.
When parked, an adequate number of visual signals should remain on to protect personnel and equipment.
Drivers should come to a complete stop at unguarded railroad grade crossings and assure it is safe to proceed before crossing the tracks.

Weight Restrictions and Bridge Safety

Cook County has posted a weight restriction to the bridge on Bartlett Rd that crosses over Poplar Creek, and drivers should respond accordingly.
Tower Ladders exceed this weight restriction, and there is no exemption for emergency vehicles.

Seat Belts and Wireless Communication

All personnel riding in the apparatus must wear a seat belt during emergency and non-emergency vehicle movement.
Section 12-610-1 prohibits use of wireless telephones in school zones or construction/maintenance speed zones, but does not apply to emergency vehicles when use is required for official duties.

Officer Responsibilities

The officer or acting officer riding in the front passenger seat takes on the role of co-driver and is responsible for ensuring safe operation of the vehicle.
Officer duties include:
- Ensuring all personnel on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts.
- Making sure the driver operates the vehicle in a safe manner consistent with policy and state law.
- Issuing warnings about road and physical hazards to the driver.
- Directing the driver to cease unsafe driving practices.
- Operating the radio, audio, and visual warning devices during response.

Response Guidelines

No vehicle (except an automobile) shall respond in an emergency manner outside the Village of Hoffman Estates with only one person on the apparatus.
Whenever a trailer is pulled going to an emergency outside the Village of Hoffman Estates, 2 people are required to be assigned to it.

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Description

Learn about the safety rules and regulations for drivers and passengers during non-emergency and emergency situations, including special privileges and speed limits.